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What is CapCut?
CapCut is ByteDance's free video editor, widely used for short-form social content, with a growing set of AI features layered on top of a full traditional editing timeline: auto captions, background removal, and AI-generated effects.
Key features
- Full timeline editor with transitions, effects, and music
- Automatic captions with accurate speech-to-text
- AI background removal and object tracking
- Templates matching popular social video trends
- Mobile, desktop, and web versions that sync projects
How to get started
- Download CapCut on mobile, desktop, or use the web app
- Import your footage or start from a trending template
- Add auto captions and apply AI effects as needed
- Export directly in formats sized for social platforms
CapCut pricing
CapCut has a free plan and a Pro upgrade, with team and commercial options.
| Plan | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic editing, most core tools |
| Pro | ~$8-10/mo | Full effects, cloud storage, premium assets |
| Commercial / Team | Higher, per seat | Business use and shared licensing |
Plan names and prices vary by region.
Our take: The free plan is generous for casual edits. Pay for Pro mainly to get premium effects and drop the asset watermarks.
Prices change often. Check the official site above for current rates before you commit.
Use cases
- Short-form social video editing for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts
- Adding accurate auto-captions to talking-head videos
- Quick background removal for product or interview clips
- Trend-following edits using ready-made templates
CapCut vs. alternatives
| Tool | How it compares |
|---|---|
| CapCut | Consumer video editor with AI captions and effects. |
| Runway | more advanced AI generation, less consumer-focused |
| Descript | editing by transcript instead of a timeline |
FAQ
Is CapCut free to use?
CapCut's plans: Free, with paid Pro features. Pricing and free-tier limits change over time, so check the official site above for the latest details.
What is CapCut used for?
Consumer video editor with AI captions and effects.
Who is CapCut best for?
CapCut is a good fit for short-form social video editing for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts, or adding accurate auto-captions to talking-head videos.
What are the alternatives to CapCut?
Commonly compared alternatives include Runway and Descript, see the comparison above for how they differ.
How much does CapCut cost?
CapCut is free to use. Pro costs around $8 to $10 a month depending on whether you pay monthly or yearly. Business and commercial licenses cost more and are priced per seat.
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DLast reviewed: 2026-08 · Reviewed by AIKetra editors · How we evaluate tools